Artists To Watch 2019

21 Jan Artists To Watch 2019

Every year we’re blown away by the insane amount of talented artists in dance and electronic music. There’s a newfound excitement heading into 2019 and one particular trend as far as we can see. It’s not about going with the current anymore — it’s about making waves that are your own.

These are the DJ/producers that live and breathe their work, which we’ve experienced firsthand. These are the artists making their own way, shaking up the scene with their own waves. It’s one thing to have an amazing year, but it’s quite another to build the kind of momentum that the following artists have — some in just a very short time.

Get to know Nightenjin’s Artists to Watch 2019 and be sure to link up, because these are the sounds of the future.

Artists To Watch 2019:

(In Alphabetical Order)

13

Above all else, 13 is about quality production. This is a guy who will lock himself in the studio for days or weeks at a time to achieve the perfect mix. It’s easy to hear precision, even through the sheer madness he’s known to deliver. With two huge collaborations with Rezz under his belt, his style is already instantly recognizable among bass music fans everywhere. As for his originals, they’re out of this world.

1788-L

Everything 1788-L touches turns to hype. His debut year in the scene generated a stream of originals and remixes, bringing his dystopian cyberpunk sound to the forefront of dance music. Over this first year, he collaborated with Rezz and provided official remixes for The Glitch Mob and RL Grime. No big deal. Plus, he put out his first EP. 1788-L is more than an artist to watch — he’s a goddamn force of nature.

Anakim

Anakim, in our humble opinion, is a severely underrated artist deserving of some major recognition. Dark, mysterious underground sounds are the usual bump, with driving rhythms and haunting atmospheres to boot. At times, his ethereal arrangements and melodies sound almost too good to be true. Anakim’s music is something you’ll truly have to experience for yourself to believe.

Atlast

Listen to Atlast and you’re in for the rail ride of your life. This producer certainly doesn’t shy away from the heavy. In fact, you’ll have a hard time finding a moment to catch your breath. Remixes of legends like Daft Punk, Knife Party, and Boys Noize and collaborations have blown up on SoundCloud, but it’s his originals that keep us coming back for more. There’s no letting up when it comes to Atlast — you were warned.

Black V Neck

The duo’s bio reads “Just a Shirt that makes music…” but we know there’s more to these guys than that. Infectious rhythms and enticing lyrics are the usual recipe for any Black V Neck production. They make straight up house and tech house for anyone who likes to get down and get a little weird. Listen to their song “Black” to get a rundown of all the other things they like black. Plus, check out their latest Slow It Down EP.

Colin Thomas

He’s one of our most closely associated acts for a reason. Colin Thomas demonstrates an extraordinarily refined taste in dance music, turning heads with his genre-bending house creations, which tend to break rules and push boundaries to the max. Having already made his mark in night clubs, from Detroit to Toronto, it’s time for Colin Thomas. Wanna know his secret? It’s all about the bassline!

Danny Kolk

Another house pro serving up the heat is Danny Kolk. One glance at his SoundCloud profile and it’s easy to tell he doesn’t take himself too seriously — but we do. He also represents Brazil proudly, with quirky concoctions made to pack out the dance floor. Citing legends Claude Vonstroke, Billy Kenny, and Maximono as his influences, Kolk is well on his way to making them proud.

G-Rex

G-Rex, another insane producer out of Detroit, finds a well deserved spot on our list. Songs like “Wook Blaster” and “Babatunde” with PEEKABOO have become staples in the bass music scene, absolutely wrecking speakers at every opportunity. His new one with Ghastly, “Heretic,” only further cements his spot in the industry. Get on board and experience the powerful force that is G-Rex.

Gerry Gonza

Blending any and all influences, Gerry Gonza has mass appeal and years of experience under his belt. At the age of 18, he was already playing his first 2,000 cap club. Flash-forward to now, he’s touring the world and is widely supported by the biggest names in the game. The producer’s diverse back catalog is impressive boasting an entire EP with BIJOU and remixes for Malaa and Destructo. Watch our interview with Gerry Gonza here.

Holt 88

Rafael Moraes aka Holt 88 brings Brazilian energy to dance music with busting rhythms, exotic lines and a whole lot of 808 bass. Burning up the scene with releases on Dirtybird, Box of Cats, Audiophile Records — you name it — Holt 88 is about to blow up in a really big way. Go down the rabbit hole of releases and let Holt 88 shake your entire soul. Look out for episode two of Nightenjin Radio to hear more of this swiftly rising talent!

i_o

It’s all about techno — and i_o knows this better than anyone. His swift rise to the spotlight can be attributed to his masterful productions, which tend to rock at high intensity. He’s been releasing music left and right, and we expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. Hot off an official remix for deadmau5 via mau5trap’s We Are Friends, Vol. 8, this year is already shaping up to be huge for i_o.

Lick

To say Lick is an artist to watch is putting it lightly. He’s been leveling up with a stream of heavy-hitting remixes of legendary songs by Skrillex, Virtual Self, and Zeds Dead. Meanwhile, Lick has perfected his own dangerous craft, with originals that thrive in the darkness. Hard work and dedication put him on the map and we can say with confidence that his passion burns brighter than most.

LSDream

When Brillz announced his tripped out side project, we didn’t know what to expect. Months into this journey and we’re astounded by his presence with LSDream. The productions are synth-filled, dream-like sequences, riddled with bass and distortion. This artist has pushed so many creative boundaries in such a short time, which makes us excited for what the future holds. Listen to LSDream and you’ll know what we mean.

Nitepunk

If Nitepunk has a motto, it’s probably, “Go hard or go home.” The rising producer’s recent catalog is not for the lighthearted. Unexpected twists on Mark The Beast x Akylla’s “Covered in Roses” to Busta Rhyme’s masterpiece “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” demonstrate his diverse spectrum of sound. Listen to his original “Bound 80” and hear what Nitepunk is all about.

Noizu

Noizu has the ability to make any party interesting with his unorthodox approach to house music. His breakout track “Lasers” on the HOWSLA compilation turned heads from the start, and the producer has only punctuated his distinct sound since then. Making his way with a style that’s all his own, Noizu continues to impress and we bet 2019 is his year to shine. Can’t wait to hear what’s up his sleeve!

Peekaboo

This Michigan-made bass music hero hails from Detroit, but his sound can be heard from near and far. The Wakaan artist is making waves that are his own, with a slew of hits that have gone viral. Peekaboo’s work is inventive and downright filthy, which has landed him huge collabs with Liquid Stranger, G-Rex (also featured on this list), and Bassnectar himself. Watch out, because Peekaboo is just heating up!

Svdden Death

One of our favorite things to ever happen to bass music, particularly dubstep, is Svdden Death. His music is as relentless as his name suggests, but somehow his material still feels welcoming. Packing in hostile growls, untamed synths, and mind-blowing bass on the regular, Svdden Death will stop you dead in your tracks and force you to listen. We’re not mad about it and you shouldn’t be either.

Swarm

Swarm was already on our radar and that was before he dropped his enthralling and theatrical This Is The End EP this month. He’s one of the main artists paving the way for dark, deadly midtempo with productions that haunt to their very core. His steady releases over the past nine months have been shaking up the scene properly. Brace yourselves for more darkness, because Swarm isn’t letting up anytime soon.

Two Tails

Two Tails have evolved over the past year, putting out singles with Dirtybird and NV’D Records, as well as their dynamic Evolution EP via Nightenjin. With this guy-girl duo, listeners never hear the same thing twice as they embrace a “genreless” style that knows no limitations. Pause for a moment to get lost in the sounds of Two Tails and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with their deep, boundless creativity.

VNSSA

VNSSA has all the bases covered when it comes to various genres of house music. This exciting talent has completely immersed herself in the LA scene and has performed at some of the leading venues in the country, supporting Chris Lake, Claptone, Destructo, Nora En Pure, and many more. Above all, her originals will instantly win you over. VNSSA does not exist in the world of music because it is her choice, she exists in it because it is her calling.

Warung

The entire concept of this duo is built upon the Indonesian term Warung, which means “small family-run business.” Their soul purpose is to be “self-made, the lifeline of the family” with an “ever-lasting legacy to carry forth.” Deep techno and underground vibes drive most of their productions, with unexpectancies waiting at every corner. Warung upholds dance culture — and celebrates it — through rich, hustling flow.

Wenzday

Wenzday is an artist that grinds like no other, and we have mad respect for her hustle. She’s an Icon Collective graduate and the founder of her own 40oz Cult imprint, not to mention a killer producer. Her taste is incredibly diverse, which is reflected in her own music. No matter the style she goes for, you can count on her tracks sounding squeaky clean and fresh to death at the same time. Every day is Wenzday.

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